Device and method for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine

ABSTRACT

A device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The coupling device includes a channel to slidably receive a portion of the cleaning implement to install and remove the cleaning implement, and one of a projection and a recess to releasably couple with the other of a recess and a projection on the cleaning implement when the portion of the cleaning implement is received within the channel. The portion of the cleaning implement is slidable within the channel free of engagement between the projection and the recess, and the cleaning implement is slidable to and from a position along the channel in which the projection and the recess are substantially aligned with one another. The cleaning implement is further movable while in the position to and from a state in which the projection and the recess are engaged with each other.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/346,365 filed Jan. 9, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,387,199, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/162,407 filed Jul. 28, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,091,171, which is a U.S. National Stage entry of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2007/061439 filed Feb. 1, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/764,316 filed Feb. 1, 2006, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine can be one of many types of floor cleaning and treating machines, such as scrubbers, sweepers, and the like. These types of machines can be used for the cleaning of hard surfaces of large floor areas in hotels, factories, office buildings, shopping centers and the like.

In general such machines comprise a movable body supported by a pair of drive wheels and one or more caster wheels. With a scrubber, the body carries a scrubbing device, reservoirs for storing fresh and spent cleaning liquid, a device for dosing fresh cleaning liquid onto the floor, and a squeegee/vacuum pickup system for recovering spent cleaning liquid from the floor.

The scrubbing device normally comprises one or more cleaning implements, such as brushes or scrubbing pads and a motor for driving the implements.

Since the pads of a floor cleaning machine are replaced frequently due to wear or the need to use a pad with different abrasive characteristics, it is important that the retainer portion of the coupling device be easily released.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and method for coupling a floor cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The device and method selectively couple a floor cleaning implement, such as a pad or brush, in manner that can be easily released and connected.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine. The coupling device comprises a plate having a first edge, a second edge, and a main body portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. A first channel is coupled to the first edge of the plate. The first channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a first edge of the cleaning implement. A second channel is coupled to the second edge of the plate. The second channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a second edge of the cleaning implement. The second channel has a first end for initially receiving the edge of the cleaning implement during insertion and a second end positioned adjacent a projecting member that prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the second end. The first end of the second channel has a selectively moveable projecting member that selectively prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the first end.

In some embodiments, the main body portion has a plurality of concave recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive convex projections extending from the cleaning implement. The projections of the cleaning implement only fully engage the recesses of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

In other embodiments, the main body portion has a plurality of substantially convex projections extending toward the cleaning implement. The projections are dimensioned and configured to be selectively received within substantially concave recesses on the cleaning implement. The recesses of the cleaning implement only fully engage the projections of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Another embodiment is directed toward a device for driving a cleaning implement coupled to a floor cleaning machine. The cleaning implement includes a plurality of projections or recesses extending toward the device. The device includes a plate having a plurality of substantially complimentary recesses or projections dimensioned and configured to selectively receive the projections or recesses extending from the cleaning implement. These recesses and projections only fully engage each other when an actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Another embodiment is directed toward a floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine includes a frame, an actuator coupled to the frame, a coupling device coupled to the actuator, and a cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device. The cleaning implement comprises a first surface adapted to contact and clean a floor surface and a second surface positioned substantially opposite the first surface and adapted to contact the coupling device. The second surface has a plurality of projecting members that extend from the second surface. The cleaning implement also has substantially opposite first and second edges extending from the second surface toward the first surface. The coupling device includes a plate having a first edge, a second edge, and a main body portion extending between the first edge and the second edge. The main body portion has a plurality of concave recesses dimensioned and configured to selectively receive the projections extending from the cleaning implement. A first channel is coupled to the first edge of the plate. The first channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a first edge of the cleaning implement. A second channel is coupled to the second edge of the plate. The second channel is dimensioned and configured to receive a second edge of the cleaning implement. The second channel has a first end for initially receiving the edge of the cleaning implement during insertion and a second end positioned adjacent a projecting member that prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the second end. The first end of the second channel has a selectively moveable projecting member that selectively prevents the cleaning implement from leaving the second channel via the first end. The projections of the cleaning implement only engage the recesses of the coupling device when the actuator presses the cleaning implement against a floor.

Further aspects of the present invention, together with the organization and operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is bottom view of an exemplary floor cleaning machine having a coupling device embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a coupling device embodying aspects of the present invention, wherein the coupling device is coupled to a floor cleaning implement.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4A shows a first position of the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device. FIG. 4B shows a second position of the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 3 with the cross-section taken along line A-A. FIG. 5A corresponds to the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 5B corresponds to the position shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of the coupling device shown in FIG. 3 with the cross-section taken along line B-B. FIG. 6A shows the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 4A. FIG. 6B shows the cleaning implement coupled to the coupling device corresponding to the position shown in FIG. 4B.

FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of a brush type cleaning implement embodying aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective top view of a pad type cleaning implement embodying aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “mounted,” “connected,” and “coupled” are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Finally, as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible, and fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a floor cleaning machine 10 is shown, comprising a device 12 used to couple cleaning implements 14, such as scrubbing pads and brushes, to the cleaning machine 10. Although one particular embodiment of the invention will be described in connection with a scrubber, it should be clear that the invention has application to other types of floor maintenance vehicles, such as sweepers and the like. Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited to a scrubber.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, one particular embodiment of the coupling device 12 is shown. As will be described in greater detail below, this illustrated coupling device 12 is adapted to move the cleaning implement 14 in an orbital or reciprocating motion. However, the principles shown herein can be adapted for rotary motion as well.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the cleaning implement 14 and coupling device 12 are generally elongated due to the orbital motion of this cleaning device. However, in other embodiments, the cleaning implement 14 can have a variety of other configurations, such as square, rectangular, circular, other polygonal shapes, and the like.

Two particular embodiments of the cleaning implement 14 are shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. 7 illustrates a brush type cleaning implement 14, while FIG. 8 illustrates a cleaning pad type cleaning implement 14. As shown in these figures, both cleaning implements 14 have substantially similar fixation portions 16 that are used to couple the brush or pad to the coupling device 12. The fixation portion 16 and the cleaning portion 18 of the illustrated embodiments are generally trapezoidal shaped, but other configurations are possible. The fixation portions 16 have a main body 20 having a first longitudinal edge 22 and a second longitudinal edge 24 positioned opposite the first longitudinal edge 22. The first and second longitudinal edges 22, 24 are slightly cantilevered over the cleaning element 18.

A plurality of locating members 26 are coupled to the top side of the fixation portion 16. These locating members 26 can be made from a variety of materials and can be configured many different ways. In the illustrated embodiment, the locating members 26 are rubber projections that have a generally convex shape. Specifically, the rubber projections have a dome-like or truncated cone configuration. As will be discussed below, this type of shape can help to locate or direct the locating members into receiving recesses 28 on the coupling device 12. The projections 26 of this embodiment are formed of rubber to help dampen noise between the cleaning implement 14 and the coupling device 12. Other materials, however, can be used for this same purpose.

Although the illustrated embodiment places the projecting locating members 26 on the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14 and the receiving recesses 28 on the coupling device 12, other embodiments can modify this configuration. For example, in some embodiments, the projections 26 can be placed on the coupling device 12, while the recesses 28 can be placed on the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14. Additionally, some embodiments can utilize a combination of projections 26 and recesses 28 on both the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement and the coupling device 12.

As shown in FIG. 2 and described in greater detail below, the cleaning implement 14, or more specifically, the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14 is received within the coupling device 12 to connect the cleaning implement 14 to the floor cleaning machine 10.

The coupling device 12 includes a main body 30 having a pair of slots or channels 32 for receiving the edges 22, 24 of the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14. The channels 32 are dimensioned and configured to receive the edges 22, 24 of the fixation portion 16. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the channels 32 are dimensioned to allow the fixation portion 16 to easily slide into the coupling device 12, without significant interference or engagement between the locating members 26 and the body 30 of the coupling device 12.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, one of the channels 32 has a retainer 34 to selectively prevent the cleaning implement 14 from disengaging the coupling device 12. The retainer 34 includes a projection 36 positioned adjacent one end of the channel 32 and intersecting the path defined by the channel 32. The retainer 34 also includes another projection 38 positioned adjacent the other end of the channel 32 and intersecting the path defined by the channel 32. At least one of the projections 36, 38 is selectively moveable to a non-intersecting position to allow the cleaning implement 14 to be removed from the coupling device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, only one projection 38 is selectively moveable. This projection 38 is provided with a lever 40 to provide leverage for an operator to elastically deform the retainer 34 or otherwise move the projection 38. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, the projection 38 located at this end is angled to allow a cleaning implement 14 to be inserted without manually moving the projection 38 with the lever 40. Rather, due to the angled configuration of the projection 38, the projection 38 will naturally be forced outward when engaged by the edge 22 of the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14 during insertion.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 34 is formed separate from the channel 32 and is attached to the channel 32 in a secondary operation, such as welding. However, in other embodiments, the retainer 34 can be integrally formed into the channel 32 or the main body portion 30.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, the main body portion 30 of the coupling device 12 is provided with a plurality of recesses 28. These recesses 28 are dimensioned and configured to selectively house or receive portions of the projections 26 extending from the top of the cleaning implement 14. The recesses 28 have a generally concave configuration to receive the projections 26. The generally concave recesses 28 have a dome-like configuration or some what conical configuration, much like the configuration of the projections 26 on the cleaning implement 14. Further, the recesses 28 are generally positioned and spaced apart in substantially the same configuration as the projections 26 on the cleaning implement 14.

In operation, a cleaning implement 14, such as the brush shown in FIG. 7 can be coupled to the floor cleaning machine 10 via the coupling device 12 shown in FIGS. 2-6 as follows. First, the cleaning implement 14 is aligned with the coupling device 12. Specifically, the cantilevered edges 22, 24 of the fixation portion 16 of the cleaning implement 14 are aligned with the channels 32 of the coupling device 12. Once this alignment is substantially complete, the cleaning implement 14 can be inserted, pushed, driven, or otherwise forced into the channels 32 of the coupling device 12.

As the brush 14 enters the coupling device 12, one of the edges of the brush engages the angled projection 38 of the retainer 34 and forces the retainer to a position that allows the brush 14 to enter the channel 32. During the insertion process, the bottom surface of the cantilevered edges 22, 24 (i.e., the surface facing the floor during operation) preferably slides along the upward facing surface of the channel 32. With this type of engagement during the insertion process, the brush 14 should be easily inserted without the projections 26 on the brush interfering or substantially engaging the main body portion 30 of the coupling device 12. Once the brush 14 is inserted fully into the channel 32, the angled projection 38 can elastically return to its original position. In this position, the brush 14 is prevented from disengaging the coupling device 12, and more specifically, the cantilevered edge is prevented from backing out of the channel 32.

Once the brush 14 is fully inserted in the coupling device 12, it will rest within the coupling device 12 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6A. Specifically, the lower surface of the cantilevered edges 22, 24 will rest on the lower portion of the channel 32. Further, as shown in these figures, the projections 26 on top of the cleaning implement 14 will not be engaged with the recesses 28 of the coupling device 12. However, the projections 26 may be substantially aligned with the recesses 28 in this position.

When an operator chooses to utilize the brushes 14, the brush 14 and coupling device 12 will be lowered into contact with a floor. An actuator, such as a motor or motor and transmission assembly, can be used to lower the brush 14 and coupling device 12 to the floor. The actuator can be used to force the brush 14 against the floor with a desired pressure or force. This will cause the brush 14 to engage the coupling device 12 as shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6A. Specifically, the projections 26 extending from the top of the brush 14 engage the recesses 28 on the main body portion 30 of the coupling device 12. This engagement prevents the brush 14 from moving relative to the coupling device 12 when the brushes 14 are caused to actuate relative to the floor. Assuming that the projections 26 are not perfectly aligned with the recesses 28 prior to the brush 14 being placed in contact with the floor, the shape of the projections 26 and recesses 28 should encourage proper alignment and engagement. Specifically, the generally convex shape of the projections 26 combined with the concave shape of the recesses 28 can funnel or otherwise move the brush into proper alignment with the coupling device 12.

Once scrubbing operations are complete, the actuator can be actuated to lift the brush 14 and coupling device 12 off of the floor. Once the brush 14 is lifted off of the floor, the brush will rest within the coupling device 12 as shown in FIG. 4A.

To remove the brush 14 from the coupling device 12, the following steps can be used. A force can be applied to the lever 40 adjacent the angled projection 38 to move the projection 38 to a position in which it does not substantially intersect the path defined by the channel 32. Once the projection 38 is moved to a position where it does not hinder the removal the brush 14, the brush 14 can be removed from the coupling device 12 by pulling it in the opposite direction that it was inserted.

The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, various alternatives to the certain features and elements of the present invention are described with reference to specific embodiments of the present invention. With the exception of features, elements, and manners of operation that are mutually exclusive of or are inconsistent with each embodiment described above, it should be noted that the alternative features, elements, and manners of operation described with reference to one particular embodiment are applicable to the other embodiments.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine, the device comprising: a channel to slidably receive a portion of the cleaning implement to install and remove the cleaning implement; and one of a projection and a recess to releasably couple with the other of a recess and a projection on the cleaning implement when the portion of the cleaning implement is received within the channel, wherein the portion of the cleaning implement is slidable within the channel free of engagement between the projection and the recess, wherein the cleaning implement is slidable to and from a position along the channel in which the projection and the recess are substantially aligned with one another, and wherein the cleaning implement is further movable while in the position to and from a state in which the projection and the recess are engaged with each other.
 2. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the channel is one of a pair of channels positioned to receive opposite edges of the portion of the cleaning implement.
 3. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the channel has a retainer that is movable to permit insertion and resist removal of the portion of the cleaning implement relative the channel.
 4. The coupling device of claim 3, wherein the retainer includes an elastically deformable lever engageable with the portion of the cleaning implement to inhibit removal of the portion from the channel.
 5. The coupling device of claim 1, wherein the projection is engaged with the recess in response to engagement between the cleaning implement and a surface to be cleaned.
 6. A method of installing a cleaning implement on a floor cleaning machine including a coupling device having one of a projection and a recess engageable with the other of a projection and a recess on the cleaning implement, the method comprising: inserting a portion of the cleaning implement into a body of the coupling device without interference between the projection and the recess; and aligning the projection and the recess for engagement with each other upon full insertion of the portion into the body.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising sliding a bottom edge of the portion of the cleaning implement along an upper surface of a channel defined by the coupling device during insertion of the portion into the body.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising engaging a retainer with an end of the portion of the cleaning implement; and resisting removal of the portion of the cleaning implement from the coupling device after the portion is fully inserted into the coupling device using the retainer.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising engaging the projection with the recess in response to engagement of the cleaning implement with a surface to be cleaned; and preventing movement of the cleaning implement relative to the coupling device.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a force to the retainer; and permitting removal of the portion of the cleaning implement from the coupling device.
 11. The method of claim 8, further comprising inserting the portion of the cleaning implement into the coupling device by pushing the portion; and removing the portion from the coupling device by pulling the portion.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the inserting step includes moving the retainer from a first position to a second position, and wherein the resisting removal step includes biasing the retainer to the first position, the method further comprising moving the retainer from the first position to the second position; and removing the portion of the cleaning implement from the coupling device in response to movement of the retainer to the second position.
 13. A floor cleaning machine comprising: a frame; an actuator coupled to the frame; a coupling device coupled to the actuator and including a channel and one of a projection and a recess; and a cleaning implement including a first surface adapted to contact a floor surface and the other of a projection and a recess to releasably couple the cleaning implement to the coupling device when the first surface is in contact with the floor surface, wherein a portion of the cleaning implement is slidably engaged with and movable along the channel free from interference between the projection and the recess to install the cleaning implement on the coupling device, and wherein the projection and the recess are aligned and engageable with each other in a sliding position of the portion of the cleaning implement in the channel.
 14. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the channel has an upward facing surface, and wherein the portion of the cleaning implement has a cantilevered edge engaged with the upward facing surface.
 15. The floor cleaning machine of claim 14, wherein the coupling device further includes a plate having first edge defining the channel and a second edge opposite the first edge, and wherein the cantilevered edge is vertically movable within the channel.
 16. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the channel is one of a pair of channels positioned to receive opposite cantilevered edges of the portion of the cleaning implement.
 17. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the channel has a retainer that is movable to permit insertion and resist removal of the portion of the cleaning implement relative to the channel.
 18. The floor cleaning machine of claim 17, wherein the retainer includes an elastically deformable lever engageable with the portion of the cleaning implement to inhibit removal of the portion from the channel.
 19. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the projection is engaged with the recess in response to engagement between the cleaning implement and the floor surface.
 20. The floor cleaning machine of claim 13, wherein the coupling device includes an elastic retainer positioned adjacent a first end of the channel, and wherein the portion of the cleaning implement includes a cantilevered edge and is fully engaged within the channel when the cantilevered edge clears the elastic retainer.
 21. A device for coupling a cleaning implement to a floor cleaning machine, the device comprising: at least one channel by which the cleaning implement is both engaged to the floor cleaning machine and is slidable with respect to the floor cleaning machine, the cleaning implement also being slidably installed on and removed from the floor cleaning machine by the channel; and at least one projection and recess on the cleaning implement that is movable into and out of a position with respect to another of the recess and projection on the floor cleaning machine by sliding motion of the cleaning implement via the channel, wherein the cleaning implement is movable to releasably engage the at least one recess and projection while the cleaning implement is in the position, and wherein the cleaning implement is slidable without interference between the at least one projection and recess when the cleaning implement is in the position while the at least one recess and projection are disengaged from one another. 